The winners of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Awards were announced at a special ceremony at Derby College’s Roundhouse, an event which was put on thanks to the skills of more than 100 apprentices who printed the programme, created the menu, decorated the tables at the Roundhouse and cooked and served the food. Apprentices even made the trophies.

David, 20, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, is studying on the level two Diploma in Painting and Decorating at the college’s Construction and Logistic Skills Academy while also working as an apprentice for Atterby’s Decorators of Skegby.

David did his 'entry to employment' work experience with Atterby's Decorators of Skegby and has gone on to get an Apprenticeship with the business. He will now go forward to be judged against the best in the rest of England, for the National Apprenticeship Awards to be announced in London in July.

Congratulations also go to Shane Bourn, 17, from Mansfield Woodhouse, who is studying on the level one Diploma in Bricklaying. Shane was a runner-up in the Entry to Employment Learner of the Year category.

Associate director for construction and building services at the college, Julian Walden, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of David and Shane’s success at the regional awards ceremony.  They’ve both proved what hard work and dedication in their work can achieve.  We wish David further success for at national awards in London next month.”